The Mathematical Symbol "Equals Sign (=)"

The = Symbol in Mathematics: Equals Sign

Amidst the plethora of mathematical symbols, the = symbol, commonly known as the "Equals Sign", stands as one of the most fundamental and universally recognized. Its introduction revolutionized mathematical notation, providing a clear way to denote equality.

Usage

The = symbol is employed to indicate that two quantities or expressions are identical, meaning they represent the same value. Its use permeates almost every facet of mathematics, from basic arithmetic to advanced equations in higher mathematics.

Examples

  • Example 1: In basic arithmetic:
    \( 2 + 3 = 5 \)
    This demonstrates that the sum of 2 and 3 is equal to 5.
  • Example 2: In algebraic equations:
    \( x^2 + 2x + 1 = (x + 1)^2 \)
    Here, the polynomial on the left side of the equals sign is identical in value to the squared binomial on the right side.

In essence, the = symbol serves as a foundational building block in mathematical notation, enabling mathematicians to communicate equivalencies with clarity and precision. Its pervasive use across mathematical disciplines attests to its critical importance and universal acceptance.

Mathematical symbol 'Equals Sign'

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Codes for the = Symbol

The Symbol=
Alt CodeAlt 61
HTML Code=
HTML Entity=
CSS Code\003D
Hex Code=
UnicodeU+003D

How To Insert the = Symbol

(Method 1) Copy and paste the symbol.

The easiest way to get the = symbol is to copy and paste it into your document.

Bear in mind that this is a UTF-8 encoded character. It must be encoded as UTF-8 at all stages (copying, replacing, editing, pasting), otherwise it will render as random characters or the dreaded �.

(Method 2) Use the "Alt Code."

If you have a keyboard with a numeric pad, you can use this method. Simply hold down the Alt key and type 61. When you lift the Alt key, the symbol appears. ("Num Lock" must be on.)

(Method 3) Use the HTML Decimal Code (for webpages).

HTML TextOutput
<b>My symbol: &#61;</b>My symbol: =

(Method 4) Use the HTML Entity Code (for webpages).

HTML TextOutput
<b>My symbol: &equals;</b>My symbol: =

(Method 5) Use the CSS Code (for webpages).

CSS and HTML TextOutput
<style>
span:after {
content: "\003D";}
</style>
<span>My symbol:</span> 		My symbol: =

(Method 6) Use the HTML Hex Code (for webpages and HTML canvas).

HTML TextOutput
<b>My symbol: &#x003D;</b>My symbol: =
On the assumption that you already have your canvas and the context set up, use the Hex code in the format 0x003D to place the = symbol on your canvas. For example:
JavaScript Text
const x = "0x"+"E9"
ctx.fillText(String.fromCodePoint(x), 5, 5);
Output

=

(Method 7) Use the Unicode (for various, e.g. Microsoft Office, JavaScript, Perl).

The Unicode for = is U+003D. The important part is the hexadecimal number after the U+, which is used in various formats. For example, in Microsoft Office applications (e.g. Word, PowerPoint), do the following:
TypeOutput
003D
[Hold down Alt]
[Press x]		=
(The 003D turns into =. Note that you can omit any leading zeros.)
In JavaScript, the syntax is \uXXXX. So, our example would be \u003D. (Note that the format is 4 hexadecimal characters.)
JavaScript TextOutput
let str = "\u003D"
document.write("My symbol: " + str)		My symbol: =